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Ply Gem Closing New Jersey and Arizona Window Plants

Ply Gem Industries Inc. says it intends to close its Hammonton, N.J., and Phoenix, Ariz., window and door manufacturing facilities. The two facilities combined employ approximately 306 employees.

“Decisions of this kind are always difficult.” says Lynn Morstad, president of Ply Gem’s U.S. window group. “We must address this issue due to excess production capacity in light of current market conditions.”

Morstad notes that the Hammonton and Phoenix plants were selected because of their proximity to other Ply Gem window and door manufacturing facilities that will be able to provide Ply Gem’s customers with the quality products and the same level of service that they expect, while allowing Ply Gem to remove this excess capacity. He also indicates that the company is committed to ensuring customers see no change in service levels. “We are fully capable of meeting the needs of our customers from our other manufacturing facilities,” Morstad says.

The Hammonton plant is the one-time Patriot Windows vinyl window manufacturing facility that became part of Ply Gem when it acquired MW Windows & Doors. The Phoenix plant became part of Ply Gem when it acquired Alenco.

"This action was difficult in that it impacts a number of our employees," says Gary Robinette, president and CEO. "However, the market conditions that exist today and that are expected to persist into next year, combined with the competitive climate, demands the most efficient operating structure and this decision to consolidate these operations will improve overall performance and is in keeping with Ply Gem’s commitment to its customers and the financial community.”

Robinette adds “that this move was made due to economic considerations for our organization and does not reflect the quality and dedication of the Hammonton or Phoenix workforce.”

In addition to its operations producing Patriot, MW and Alenco brand windows, Ply Gem, based in Cary, N.C, also owns Great Lakes Window in Ohio, Insulate Windows in Washington and CWD Windows in Calgary, Alberta, as well as several siding operations.